Future of e-scooters in Portland still unclear

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Although dockless electric scooter companies will be allowed to start business in Portland during a four-month trial later this summer, transportation officials say their future in the city is still up in the air.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports other large cities such as San Francisco, Washington D.C., Seattle and Austin, Texas, have had issues with dockless e-scooter rental companies. Customers can rent a scooter through their smartphone for a fee and drop it off anywhere in the city.

Transportation department spokesman Dylan Rivera said Thursday that Portland has decided to approach the business model cautiously, instead of welcoming the companies. He says they don’t want to see dozens of scooters dumped on city sidewalks.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com